This episode features Emma Berens, the Federal Government Affairs Manager for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) who brings a unique perspective to her work as an IVF baby herself. Growing up in Massachusetts, Emma and her sister were born through IVF after their mother, Patrice, navigated unexplained infertility with the help of the state’s historic insurance coverage mandate. Emma shares how her family’s open and positive framing of her “petri dish” origins instilled a deep appreciation for medical science and innovation from a young age, leading her to a career dedicated to protecting reproductive healthcare.
The conversation explores Emma’s transition into reproductive health advocacy, a path solidified by the overturning of Roe v. Wade and her mother’s prescient warning that IVF access would eventually face opposition. Emma highlights her professional efforts to change policies and perspectives on the federal and state levels, emphasizing the power of patient stories to move the needle even among skeptical or religious lawmakers. She offers practical advice for those looking to get involved in the movement, suggesting that plugging into local coalitions is the most effective way to find community while protecting access to treatment.
A major portion of the discussion focuses on the rise of Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM), which Emma describes as an ideologically driven rebranding of diagnostics used to exclude or limit access to evidence-based treatments like IVF. She warns that RRM legislation can be deceptive by framing itself as “holistic” or “patient-centered” while it actually removes choices and can lead to detrimental delays in care. Ultimately, the episode serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community support and the ongoing need for nonpartisan advocacy to ensure the right to build a family remains a protected, fundamental priority.
Learn how you can get involved!
Emma Berens is the Federal Government Affairs Manager at ASRM, focused on tracking legislative efforts that help to protect, maintain and ultimately advance access to evidence-based fertility treatments like IVF. A proud IVF baby, Emma is proud to be part of the ASRM team, especially at a time when IVF is receiving more attention – both in the media and in legislation. Emma graduated from Harvard in 2023 with a degree in Government and Public Policy.
Today’s episode is brought to you by The Herbal Fertility Handbook by Liane Moccia. For a trusted, holistic resource to support your path to pregnancy, The Herbal Fertility Handbook is available wherever books are sold.
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